Best Overall
Leatherman Wave+
- Performance4.8/5
- Ease of Use4.3/5
- Features5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: It features 18 different tools, and there is a locking mechanism on each blade.
Keep in Mind: Some tools couldn’t be opened unless we opened another tool first.
The Leatherman Wave+ has every tool you need to get a job done, without any excess tools that would make it cumbersome to carry. It includes a regular knife, a serrated knife, spring-action scissors, and a saw to make quick work of any cutting or sawing jobs on your list. It also has two sets of pliers, both needlenose and regular. If those tools weren’t already enough, it also includes a wire stripper, a bottle and can opener, a ruler, and multiple screwdriver sizes and interchangeable bit drivers.
It’s small and lightweight enough to carry without compromising on necessary features. This multi-tool could easily fit in our pockets, but it also came with a nylon sheath to wear it on a belt. During our testing, we found that it could be opened with just one hand, which made it easier to use on the go. However, certain tools couldn’t be opened unless we opened another tool first. Each blade had a locking mechanism that was simple to release when we were ready to use it. Safety comes first with this multi-tool, as it has just the right amount of resistance to protect users from accidental cuts or pokes.
Constructed with high-quality steel, the multi-tool is built to last. During testing, the tools were durable and didn’t suffer any damage from our drop test on a concrete floor. The wire cutters are even replaceable, so the multi-tool should last for years to come.
Product Details: Closed Length: 4 inches | Number of Tools: 18 | Weight: 8.5 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Budget
RAK Hammer Multi-Tool
- Performance3.9/5
- Ease of Use4/5
- Features4.8/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: The hammer makes it useful for on-the-go fixes.
Keep in Mind: It may be too large to fit comfortably in some pant pockets.
This multi-tool-plus-hammer from Rak offers the durable tools you need to take care of business, regardless of the task at hand. The hammer makes it an especially smart choice for home improvement jobs and DIY projects.
In addition to the hammer, this multi-tool features several sharp blades, including a saw, a serrated and a regular knife, and wire cutters. The wire cutters seamlessly cut through copper wire in our testing. Although it lacks scissors, the other blades are sufficient for most tasks. Besides its blades, this multi-tool has all of the basic tools you need, including a flathead and Phillips screwdriver, two kinds of pliers, a bottle opener, a prying claw, and more.
The Rak is on the large side for a multi-tool due to the addition of the hammer, but the size is perfect to store in your garage to avoid pulling out your entire tool box. The size is also ideal for storing in a car, but it comes with a carrying case and belt loop if you prefer to carry it.
During testing, we found it to be lightweight and portable, especially for the number of tools included. While the multi-tool was small enough to carry, it was a little too big to fit comfortably in our pockets.
Each tool proved easy to open and close, and a safety lock helped to prevent accidental injury in our tests. We thought the multi-tool felt safe to use because it had no sharp edges. The hardened stainless steel material ensures the multi-tool is durable—after our drop test, the safety lock stayed in place, and none of the tools were damaged.
Product Details: Closed Length: 5.5 inches | Number of Tools: 12 | Weight: 10.2 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Splurge
Leatherman Free P4 Multi-Tool
- Performance5/5
- Ease of Use4.9/5
- Features5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: It features 21 sturdy tools in a compact frame.
Keep in Mind: We needed two hands to open and close it.
This Leatherman Free P4 is so effective, you can keep your tool box in storage for your next DIY project. The included tools are adaptable to many home improvement projects, like painting, carpentry, or electrical work. It has two sharp blades for sawing, a pocket knife blade for cutting or whittling, wire cutters and a wire stripper, a can and bottle opener, scissors, a wood/metal file, several screwdrivers, and two types of pliers. The pliers had a firm grip and a sharp cutting device that effortlessly snipped plastic and wire in our testing lab.
Each blade has a locking mechanism that was simple to release when it was ready for use. We also appreciated that this multi-tool had just the right amount of resistance to protect from accidental cuts or pokes during testing. We needed two hands to open and close each tool, but the tools locked securely into place once they were opened.
We thought this multi-tool fit comfortably both in our pockets and in our hands. Although this model is on the larger side for a pocket multi-tool, it had a built-in belt clip and even comes with a belt strap pouch for comfortable carrying. Plus, the stainless steel construction makes this multi-tool very durable. It didn’t have any scuffs or scratches after we dropped it on concrete, and each of the tools operated seamlessly.
Product Details: Closed Length: 4.25 inches | Number of Tools: 21 | Weight: 8.6 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best for Camping
Leatherman Skeletool
- Performance4.4/5
- Ease of Use4.8/5
- Features5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value4.5/5
Why You Should Get It: It features a belt clip and carabiner so you can take it camping.
Keep in Mind: The pliers may be difficult for some to open.
This multi-tool has an intelligent selection of tools that make a great companion on your next camping trip. The pocket-sized design features a belt clip and a carabiner clip (which doubles as a bottle opener), so it can easily attach to a belt or camping bag. And if you want to continue using the multi-tool after your camping adventure ends, it is still a useful tool for everyday tasks.
It’s equipped with seven tools, including two pairs of pliers (needlenose and regular), an exchangeable bit driver, and two types of wire cutters. It also features two screwdriver tips (a Phillips head and flathead), and the extra tip is stored securely in the body of the tool.
We liked that the Leatherman Skeletool has a two-in-one blade that is serrated on one side and smooth on the other. During testing, we found the blade to be sharp and easy to use right out of the box, even with one hand. The blade locking mechanism snapped into place and was simple to release. However, the pliers were not spring-action, so they were a bit more difficult to open.
This multi-tool has a useful variety of tools, but it also benefits from a lightweight and minimalistic design. There are several cutouts along the body of the tool that help create a sleek design. This multi-tool is durable thanks to its stainless steel construction, and it didn’t suffer any damage after our drop test.
Product Details: Closed Length: 4 inches | Number of Tools: 7 | Weight: 5 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Keychain
Gerber Gear Dime Multi-Tool
- Performance3.5/5
- Ease of Use4.8/5
- Features4.7/5
- Durability5/5
- Value3.8/5
Why You Should Get It: It has 12 different tools and has a lightweight design.
Keep in Mind: The small size can make it difficult to get leverage with the pliers.
This Gerber multi-tool is completely portable and pocket-sized, so you can carry it with you to stay prepared for unexpected tasks. It even includes a lanyard ring to attach it to your keychain.
It's equipped with 12 different functions, which is impressive given its compact and lightweight design. It includes a straight edge stainless steel knife blade, as well as a package opener for cutting and scoring plastic retail packages. There are also pliers, wire cutters, two flat head drivers, files, scissors, tweezers, and even a bottle opener.
During testing, we liked that the pliers were spring-action, so they released with minimal effort. While the pliers were effective in our tests, they didn’t have as much leverage as larger versions due to the compact size of the multi-tool. The slim design and butterfly opening allowed for easy accessibility during our tests, and we liked that the bottle opener is accessible even when the multi-tool is closed. The rest of the tools stowed away nicely, leaving no sharp edges to poke or prod us when we carried it in our pockets.
Made with stainless steel, this multi-tool has a quality construction that ensures durability. There was no damage or loosening of the tools after we dropped it in our lab test.
Product Details: Closed Length: 2.75 inches | Number of Tools: 12 | Weight: 2.2 ounces
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best Everyday
Gerber Gear Truss
- Performance4.9/5
- Ease of Use4.8/5
- Features5/5
- Durability3.5/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: The knives and saw are very sharp and effective at cutting wire or rope.
Keep in Mind: It doesn’t have a corkscrew.
This affordable multi-tool from Gerber Gear can serve as a reliable sidekick for your day-to-day tasks. During testing, we found that it fit comfortably in our pant pockets, making it a good option to carry around for everyday use. The tool also included a sheath that can be worn vertically or horizontally on your belt.
We found each of the tools to be durable and effective in our tests, particularly the sturdy spring-loaded pliers, easy-to-use bottle opener, and sharp blades. When we used this tool to cut through plastic, rope, wire, and other materials, we found that the knives, scissors, and wire cutters were sharp enough to efficiently complete the task at hand.
In order to prevent accidental injury, the tools have a locking mechanism that causes a small amount of resistance when opening. The tools are released using a push and slide button, which added an additional element of safety. The mechanism to open and close the multi-tool was smooth and simple to operate.
We appreciated the variety of tools (17 total), including the four different screwdriver heads. While it contains most of the essential tools needed for everyday use, it does lack a corkscrew, so keep this in mind if a corkscrew is one of your frequently used tools.
Made of stainless steel, this multi-tool is sturdy but lightweight. The titanium-like finish avoided scratches during our lab test, and none of the tools were damaged after we dropped it on a concrete floor.
Product Details: Closed Length: 4.4 inches | Number of Tools: 17 | Weight: 8 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK
Best for Bikes
Topeak Mini 18+ Multi-Tool
- Performance4.5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Features5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value5/5
Why You Should Get It: It has eight different hex wrenches that make it easy to adjust a bike on the go.
Keep in Mind: It doesn’t have a locking mechanism.
The Topeak Mini multi-tool can be kept in a bicycle seat bag to fix a flat tire or in your garage with your bicycle storage. With a compact size and lightweight design, the multi-tool also fits comfortably in a pant pocket if you prefer to carry it.
This multi-tool is equipped with every tool a bike enthusiast needs to work on their bicycle. It is specially designed to use on bikes, so it doesn’t contain pliers or knives like a typical multi-tool. Instead, it serves 20 different functions and includes a variety of tools like Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, a tire lever, a chain tool, and even a bottle opener. It has eight sizes of hex wrenches that will help you tackle any task, whether it’s adjusting the bike derailleur or fixing a flat tire.
During testing, each of the tools opened and closed without any resistance, so we could operate it using only one hand. However, it does not have a locking mechanism to keep the tools in place, which is disappointing. There were no sharp edges that poked or scratched us while we used the tools.
It comes with a neoprene case to keep it protected. The body and tire levers are made of aluminum, and the other tools are constructed using chrome vanadium steel. It proved itself to be durable when we performed our drop test, and tools remained intact and functional.
Product Details: Closed Length: 3.2 inches | Number of Tools: 20 | Weight: 6.4 ounces